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Other/Mixed Picking the right Martial Art

Other strength modalities (e.g., Clubs), mixed strength modalities (e.g., combined kettlebell and barbell), other goals (flexibility)
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Suxatkettlebell said:
One of the craziest truths about self-defense is really how much being in some sort of shape plays into it. Now obviously, training seriously in wrestling or grappling will put you in great shape. The oddity is that most people who actually train seriously are never really the aggressors. And most aggressors, at least in my experience are never really in that great of shape or are drunk. This is where fitness plays a role because after that initial 40 seconds, the other guy is winded and you are still fresh and have some skill.

So the first rule of self-defense is to get into shape. Then you can pick a style that suits you. Some are better than others depending on the application. BJJ, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, and Muy Thai have been proven to be extremely effective. Krav Maga and FMA are also good. TMA can also be effective depending on techniques. But all are way more effective when the practitioner is also fit.
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In my experience, fitness levels have less to do with it than awareness and programmed responses, only because most honest-to-God self defense scenarios involve one person vs multiple assailants. 99% of potential one on one altercations can be defused verbally or otherwise avoided.
 
Suxatkettlebell said:
One of the craziest truths about self-defense is really how much being in some sort of shape plays into it. Now obviously, training seriously in wrestling or grappling will put you in great shape. The oddity is that most people who actually train seriously are never really the aggressors. And most aggressors, at least in my experience are never really in that great of shape or are drunk. This is where fitness plays a role because after that initial 40 seconds, the other guy is winded and you are still fresh and have some skill.

So the first rule of self-defense is to get into shape. Then you can pick a style that suits you. Some are better than others depending on the application. BJJ, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, and Muy Thai have been proven to be extremely effective. Krav Maga and FMA are also good. TMA can also be effective depending on techniques. But all are way more effective when the practitioner is also fit.
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I personally believe the opposite of this, sorry to say. Physical fitness is an aspect of martial arts, of course, but the last advice I want to give someone is to get in shape before starting. Everybody should practice martial arts, the difference in personality might change WHICH art, but being in or out of shape before you start will only lead to way more people never starting because they will never think they’re in shape.

This thread is about picking a martial art that suits your body/personality/style, not which is necessarily the best for self defense. Martial arts don’t have to be effective for self defense to be worthwhile.
 
BJJ Shawn said:
I personally believe the opposite of this, sorry to say. Physical fitness is an aspect of martial arts, of course, but the last advice I want to give someone is to get in shape before starting. Everybody should practice martial arts, the difference in personality might change WHICH art, but being in or out of shape before you start will only lead to way more people never starting because they will never think they’re in shape.

This thread is about picking a martial art that suits your body/personality/style, not which is necessarily the best for self defense. Martial arts don’t have to be effective for self defense to be worthwhile.
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Agree. Martial Arts and self-defense can be the same and separate all at once. Tai Chi for example is a martial art but not so well suited for self-defense. I wasn't suggesting to wait until you are in shape before starting however. Obviously you can do both, but I think some are easier with a base level of fitness. Muy Thai exposed my cardio fairly quickly. I got used to it but a buddy of mine who is a runner, seemed to have an easier time.

Ultimately, do what you like.
 
offwidth said:
I played Kendo for many years. Good stuff indeed…
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A pal of mine stole a Bokken from a local club. I was amazed to read years later that a lot of Samurai actually died using Bokken swords. As for my friend he got in a spot of bother here with some thugs. They all turned up at his house threatening assault and various forms of violent death. He ran out the front door, Bokken in hand and dealt out some rough justice. I find it all funny because he appropriated that Bokken when we were all like 12-13 and I coveted it many a time and found it hilarious he not only still had it but the thought of him charging out his house wielding it still makes me chuckle even as I type this as he was a bit of a Walter Mitty Martial arts type his whole life.
 
Whichever has the best instructor in your area. I took what most people might consider a rather average martial art by reputation but the instructor was amazing and what he taught was highly effective. I tried others afterwards and they all seemed rather dumb and pathetic by comparison.
 
Kev said:
A pal of mine stole a Bokken from a local club. I was amazed to read years later that a lot of Samurai actually died using Bokken swords. As for my friend he got in a spot of bother here with some thugs. They all turned up at his house threatening assault and various forms of violent death. He ran out the front door, Bokken in hand and dealt out some rough justice. I find it all funny because he appropriated that Bokken when we were all like 12-13 and I coveted it many a time and found it hilarious he not only still had it but the thought of him charging out his house wielding it still makes me chuckle even as I type this as he was a bit of a Walter Mitty Martial arts type his whole life.
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They're dangerous enough that you don't use them for sparring in kendo, just for kata.

The shinai is the sparring weapon, and it's made of bamboo.
 
watchnerd said:
They're dangerous enough that you don't use them for sparring in kendo, just for kata.

The shinai is the sparring weapon, and it's made of bamboo.
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Oops. My brothers and I got a hold of some bokken when we were young and would routinely beat the snot out of each other... Sticks, wood swords, bokken ... they all hurt just enough.
 
watchnerd said:
They're dangerous enough that you don't use them for sparring in kendo, just for kata.

The shinai is the sparring weapon, and it's made of bamboo.
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Yeah those Bokken are lethal. This thing was made from red oak. It didn’t just look like a katana it had what looked like machined edges and the weight in the thing also.
 
watchnerd said:
Kendo is the martial art I've enjoyed the most

You get to bop people with swords
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The martial art I was doing in college randomly decided that they had always had "traditional Korean Kendo" and called it Gumtoogi.

It was fun... but I really didn't like the sudden "Hey you gotta buy armor from us" thing that came with it.

Now Kali... That was a fun martial art. "Heres a couple sticks, go hit each other with them. Don't worry about padding or armor, if they get hit it is because they did it wrong"
 
silveraw said:
The martial art I was doing in college randomly decided that they had always had "traditional Korean Kendo" and called it Gumtoogi.

It was fun... but I really didn't like the sudden "Hey you gotta buy armor from us" thing that came with it.

Now Kali... That was a fun martial art. "Heres a couple sticks, go hit each other with them. Don't worry about padding or armor, if they get hit it is because they did it wrong"
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I'd much rather engage in stick fighting than roll around on the ground with some guy stuffing his groin up my nose.
 
silveraw said:
The martial art I was doing in college randomly decided that they had always had "traditional Korean Kendo" and called it Gumtoogi.

It was fun... but I really didn't like the sudden "Hey you gotta buy armor from us" thing that came with it.

Now Kali... That was a fun martial art. "Heres a couple sticks, go hit each other with them. Don't worry about padding or armor, if they get hit it is because they did it wrong"
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Yeah we were able to buy one set. So my eldest brother got to compete.

And yes. Kali is quite the sight. Never tried it myself, but a friend of mine competed when I was young and she was furious.
 
The ‘armor’ in Kendo is all well and good, but even wearing it you can still get plenty black and blue.
For those unfamiliar with Kendo, the armor essentially protects the various target areas allowed in the sport: Head, throat, wrists/forearms, and torso. Of course in the heat of practice or a match the target areas often get missed….
 
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